Dr. Michael Glick’s August JADA editorial, "Smoking Cessation: No Longer a Choice," was right on target (
JADA 2005;136:1076–8[Free Full Text]
).
Coincidentally, we at the Queens County Dental Society in New York City already came to the same conclusions and have taken action. It also should be noted that the death rate from oral cancer has remained relatively unchanged for 20 years, while death rates from other cancers have fallen.
We as a profession need to make an effort to do a thorough oral cancer examination of every patient. Early detection of cancer remains the best means of improving survival rates.
It has been my experience that telling a patient that you are looking for signs of oral cancer is crucial. Patients are grateful that you took the time to do a more thorough examination, and often tell their friends and family, "My dentist checked me for oral cancer. Did you have it done by your dentist?" In addition, the examination will provide an opening to discuss tobacco use and cessation options.
Therefore, an oral cancer examination can be a potentially life-saving addition to a dental examination, as well as a practice-builder.
